Walks,Wine and Culinary Adventures in Northern Spain

13 days
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Private Guided
Celebrate Wildland Adventures' 30th anniversary on this active wine and culinary journey into the heart of northern Spain with Kurt and Anne Kutay, founders of Wildland Adventures, and wine experts, David and Ruth Arista of Arista Wine Cellars. Experience the full terroir of Basque and Castile culture from food and wines to Guernica and the Guggenheim. Our il...
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Overview

Trip type
Private Guided
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Bilbao
    • Guggenheim tour
    • Guernica author tour
    • Jai Alai
    • Atapuerca archaeological site
    • Vineyards of Burgos; Ribera del Duero; Rioja Alta; Laguardia; and Dinastia Vivanco
    • Castle of Davilillo
    • San Sebastian
    • Hiking Camino Santiago

What's this trip about?

    Celebrate Wildland Adventures' 30th anniversary on this active wine and culinary journey into the heart of northern Spain with Kurt and Anne Kutay, founders of Wildland Adventures, and wine experts, David and Ruth Arista of Arista Wine Cellars. Experience the full terroir of Basque and Castile culture from food and wines to Guernica and the Guggenheim. Our illustrious expert Spanish guide, Xabi Extxarri, shares his passion for culture, literature, and the arts of his rugged Basque homeland. From the port town of Bilbao, the culinary capital of Basque, to Burgos the historic capital of Castile, we venture into the highland wine region of La Rioja and conclude in the charming historic coastal town of San Sebastian. Throughout our journey Xabi introduces us to farmers, cheese makers, authors, celebrity chefs, winemakers, and the best sommelier of La Rioja. We are invited for private tastings in the vineyards and bodegas of Spain's top winemakers from high-tech, cutting-edge big producers, to exclusive encounters with new winemakers who are rediscovering the region's indigenous strengths and traditional practices. And, we've lined up wide-ranging dining experiences from award-winning Haute restaurants, to outdoor bodega lunches, and pintxos tasting menus at local wine bars. We hike among vineyards and castles, into national parks, and we join pilgrims on two segments of the Camino de Santiago. Come hike, shop, taste, explore and celebrate a life of adventure! Ask about our pre-tour in Madrid and post-tour of Barcelona.

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Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 12 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityBilbao
End CityBilbao

Travel Themes

  • Birding
  • Culinary & Wine
  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Relaxing Retreats

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Spain

Activities

  • Adventure & Adrenaline
  • Bird watching
  • Caving
  • Cooking
  • Culture
  • Hiking
  • Historic sightseeing
  • Mountaineering
  • Relaxing Retreat
  • Trekking

Trip includes

    • All guided tours, entrance fees, and excursions; Spanish cultural guide and trip leader; group airport transfers and transportation; all accommodation; meals as indicated (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner); programmed wine tastings and events; gratuities for all tour activities as listed; Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Arrive Bilbao
Arrive in the port town of Bilbao in northern Spain. Meet our guide in the afternoon for a brief introduction to this old city. Located in the heart of the Basque Country, Bilbao entered the modern American psyche in 1997 at the opening of the Guggenheim, the titanium-cl...
Day 2: Morning Hike - Guggenheim Museum
We step right into Spanish life joining locals on this Sunday morning starting in the heart of the city for a brisk walk up Pagasarri Hill into the surrounding countryside to take in magnificent views of the region. Our driver awaits at the top to take us to a traditiona...
Day 3: Guernica Author Tour - Jai Alai!
East of Bilbao lies the town of Guernica, the traditional heart of the Vizcayan Basque culture. Guernica resident, writer and historian, Edorta Jimenez, walks with us into history and culture sharing his insights, stories, and knowledge illuminating his town's past that ...
Day 4: Hike Camino De Santiago Pilgrim's Path
Set off south across the mountains into the dry plains of Castile. We join the Camino de Santiago pilgrim’s path at a beautiful point where it passes through a cool pine forest rich with birdlife, then down towards the picturesque village and monastery of San Juan de Ort...
Day 5: Burgos, La Rioja -- Spain's Culinary Capital
Enjoy a guided tour of Burgos this morning, taking in the dramatic gothic cathedral and the stunningly modern Museum of Human Evolution. Recognized as Spain's culinary capital, Burgos is a historically rich town including generations of family food and wine producers ble...
Day 6: Vineyards of Pesquera
An hour south of Burgos we reach the premium wine growing region of Ribera del Duero to visit one of the most famous producers, Pesquera. With four different wineries in a small radius, we have the opportunity to taste the differences between two of Pesquera’s plots, inc...
Day 7: Wine Tasting and Fine Dining in Rioja Alta
Driving east to La Rioja, we stop at the historic town of Haro, capital of the Rioja Alta where local resident and wine expert, Marina Grijalba, accompanies us here to share the marginal climate and difficult terrain that defines the character of these wines. Marina lead...
Day 8: Laguardia Cellars
Take a leisurely walk through fields and vineyards to the walled town of Laguardia. The landscapes are unparalleled with the Cantabrian mountain range just to the north sheltering the vines of some of La Rioja’s finest producers. The Ysios Winery building is a masterpiec...
Day 10: Vitoria -- Urkiola Natural Park
Vitoria is the capital city of the Basque Autonomous Community, a little visited gem known as Europe’s emerald city. The second largest urban area in Basque country, Vitoria is committed to the environment and quality of life, protecting its medieval Old Town while enhan...
Day 11: San Sebastian -- Pintxos Cooking Class
Enjoy a relaxed morning guided walk through the ancient heart of San Sebastian before arriving at the first rate Ni Neu Restaurant where we learn the art and preparation of pintxos. After sampling our appetizer creations we enjoy a tasty lunch at Ni Neu where gastronomy,...
Day 12: Camino De Santiago Coastal Trail
Today we pick up the northern coastal trail of the Camino de Santiago, walking over a stretch from Zumaia to Deba along a spectacular coastline featuring the flysch coastal rock formations. The walking distance we cover is weather and group dependent. We enjoy a seafood ...
Day 13: Departure for Home
Transfer to the Bilbao airport or extend your trip to Barcelona!

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Dates & Availability

Price From $7,995
Price per day$615
Last Updated: 9/26/2018

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Wildland Adventures.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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At Wildland Adventures, authenticity is our highest priority. Sincerity, good faith, genuineness - they're all part of the ethic we embrace in approaching our world and the people and cultures we share it with. We’re devoted to helping our travelers experience the world with the honesty and affirmation that your choice of Wildland Adventures implies — a real world without artifice, that craves our understanding and compassion rather than our judgment; a world that seeks to welcome us rather than entertain us.

Of course, it can be argued that authenticity is an unattainable goal in travel. Our presence will forever change the place and the people with whom we come in contact. But if authenticity is characterized, according to its definitions, by "freedom from hypocrisy and pretense," then Wildland Adventures can proceed with the confidence that our trips not only will strengthen our own humanity, but will help build the kind of inter-cultural, interpersonal and environmental bonds that enhance rather than exploit the people and places where we travel.

Why Travel With Us:

For over two decades, we have been leading the way in adventure travel and ecotourism, not just to new destinations, but pioneering new approaches to travel that guarantee your experience with Wildland Adventures will be qualitatively superior.

The Personal Difference

We are personally involved in the design of your trip in coordination with local field staff. When you call our USA staff you will be speaking with another traveler with first hand experience in your destination who will help you choose the right trip and craft an itinerary that meets your personal interests and style.

Friends In Faraway Places

Cross-cultural interaction is not only having respect for local customs, but is genuine, honest, personal interaction stimulated by sensitive introductions from respectful guides who introduce you to their home like a friend and treat you as a personal traveling companion.

Comfort and Safety

Prepare to immerse yourself, secure in your health and safety. Relax and enjoy the experiences of native culture and pristine wilderness environments confident of our exceptional accommodations, transportation, hygiene and security, and the support of our professional in-country outfitters.

Bask In Native Hospitality

We seek out small, boutique hotels and lodges and even home stays where native culture is strong and we can enjoy regional cuisine and experience traditional lifestyle. Designed in indigenous style that fit into their environs naturally, our accommodations deliver charm, amenities and native warmth.

 Local Escorts To Exploration

The direct involvement of professional indigenous guides in organizing and leading your Wildland Adventure assures you will have an exceptionally informative, well-executed, and authentic experience.

Like-minded Travelers

By creating more personal, in-depth and meaningful life enhancing travel experiences we consistently attract active and inquisitive travelers of all ages who discover that Wildland Adventures are not the stereotypical group experience. Participants on our very small group trips are frequently experienced world travelers who request our services for efficiency, economy, reliability, security and superior leadership.

Journeys of Discovery

Wildland Adventures are physical, intellectual and spiritual adventures--more a state of mind than a risky or arduous challenge. The real adventure is new insights, the awe found in nature, encounters with new cultures, and the excitement of personal discovery.

Dependability

You can depend on our record of professionalism and safety. Prestigous travel writers, guidebooks and travel industry media, recognize Wildland Adventures as a leading ecotourism company. The company was a founding member of The International Ecotourism Society, the Galapagos Tour Operators Association, and the Maasai Environmental Resource Coalition, and retains corporate membership in other professional tourism associations and the Better Business Bureau.

Travel Styles:

Since 1986, we've shared our intimate knowledge of the people and places we love. Introducing our travelers to a more personal and in-depth travel experience among our friends in far away places. Your adventure vacation with Wildland Adventures will be a world of difference because we design specialized itineraries that match you with your personal interests and style of travel. Our specialty travel programs include multi-generational Family Travel, Honeymoon or Romantic Adventures, first-time Exploratory Trips, as well as custom travel planning services for individuals, families and private groups.

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A Wildland Family Adventure is about joyful discovery; experiencing those rare moments which cannot be had anywhere else, meeting compelling people and making new friends in far-away places.

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A Wildland honeymoon or romantic vacation is an adventure of discovery by day and romance at night in the most enchanting eco-lodges, boutique hotels, and luxury wilderness camps.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • International airfare; domestic airfare in Spain for add-ons; airport arrival transfers for alternate dates; drinks alcoholic beverages, and meals not indicated as included; personal expenses for extra services, optional activities, or changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control; travel insurance for trip cancellation, medical services, or evacuation; any other items not mentioned

Accommodation

Where you stay and who hosts you on a Wildland Adventure should be as memorable as what you see and do each day. So, we use the most charming accommodations that offer exceptional personal service and locally-flavored culinary delights. We carefully select each luxuriously appointed boutique hotel, native-style lodge or simple village guest house to reflect indigenous culture and the beauty and fragility of the natural surroundings. Following is a selection of our favorite accommodations in Spain.,Hesperia Bilbao This modern, comfortable hotel stands out for both its friendly service and its brilliant location on the banks of the Nervión River just opposite the Guggenheim Museum. The hotel is a quick 10-minute walk from the heart of the old city of Bilbao, the famous Siete Calles (Seven Streets) filled with pintxos bars. [...] Palacio Blasones This 16th century converted palace sits right on the Camino de Santiago as it crosses the city of Burgos. Although this is a modern 4-star hotel, rooms on the lower levels still exhibit the ancient architecture of the original building. The location is perfect, just two minutes’ walk from the world famous Gothic cathedral and five minutes from the town´s lively centre full of small bars and [...] Hotel Viura Hotel Viura’s striking modern design could look out of place in what is very much a classic Spanish village, yet it blends almost seamlessly into its surroundings. Rooms are spacious and the decor throughout the hotel is eye catching, whether it's the chalk writing on black walls, or the wine crates hanging from the ceiling in the bar. Sitting on the elegant terrace with a glass of wine, you can look [...] Hotel Villa Soro This grand villa sits just above the old town of San Sebastian with tasteful interiors including a marble hallway, sweeping staircase, paneled bar, and inviting salon. The 25 rooms are comfortable with crisp linens, bathrobes and large beds. The outstanding staff will welcome you and make you feel right at home. [...]
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Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
wildla-WalWinCulAdvNorSpaWidAdv

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